Barton Creek Cave is a natural wet cave in the Cayo District of west-central Belize, recognized as both a significant Maya archaeological site and a popular eco-tourism destination. Located near San Ignacio in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, the cave is part of a large riverine system, stretching over 4.5 miles (7.2 km) and possibly up to 5 miles, making it one of Belize’s longest subterranean sites. Used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial purposes from the Early Classic to Late Classic periods (ca. AD 250–900), the cave contains artifacts, human remains, hearths, and modified formations, reflecting its role as a sacred space. Visitors explore the cave by canoe, paddling through its tranquil waterway to view Maya relics and dramatic geological features, such as stalactites and stalagmites. Its dual identity as an archaeological treasure and a scenic attraction makes it a unique window into Maya cosmology and Belize’s natural heritage.
Location: Barton Creek Cave is situated in the Cayo District,
approximately 20 km southeast of San Ignacio, near the Barton Creek
Outpost in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Its coordinates are roughly
17°05'N, 88°55'W, placing it in a lush, hilly region of western
Belize. The cave is accessible via a scenic dirt road through pine
forests and Mennonite farmlands, about a 30-minute drive from San
Ignacio.
Geological Features: The cave is a single-passage,
resurging stream cave formed by Barton Creek, which flows
underground for a significant distance before joining the Belize
River near Georgeville. It features giant passages with ceilings up
to 80 feet (24 meters) high and widths of 30–50 feet in some areas.
The cave is adorned with numerous large stalactites, stalagmites,
and flowstone formations, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. The
waterway, calm and shallow, allows canoe access for about 1.5 km of
the cave’s explored length.
Climate and Environment: The
surrounding Mountain Pine Ridge is a tropical highland with pine
forests, contrasting with Belize’s lowland rainforests. The climate
is humid, with temperatures averaging 75–85°F and rainfall of 60–80
inches annually, concentrated in the rainy season (June–November).
The cave’s interior maintains a cool, stable microclimate,
preserving organic remains but making surfaces slippery. The
region’s biodiversity includes monkeys, birds, and iguanas, visible
during the approach to the cave.
Environmental Context: The
cave’s riverine system supported Maya agriculture and trade, linking
it to nearby sites like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. However, modern
agricultural runoff and tourism-related erosion pose risks to the
cave’s ecosystem and artifacts. Seasonal flooding can also affect
access and preservation.
Barton Creek Cave’s dramatic geology and
strategic location made it a sacred space for the Maya, while its
natural beauty drives its modern tourism appeal.
Barton Creek Cave’s archaeological significance stems from its use
as a Maya ritual site:
Maya Occupation (AD 250–900): The cave
was used primarily during the Early Classic to Late Classic periods,
with evidence suggesting ceremonial activity peaked in the Late
Classic (AD 600–900). The Maya viewed caves as portals to the
underworld (Xibalba), sacred spaces for rituals, burials, and
offerings. Barton Creek Cave served as a burial site and ceremonial
venue, possibly linked to nearby centers like Xunantunich, 20 km
away.
Artifacts and Features:
Human Remains: Calcified
skeletons, including at least 28 individuals (adults and children),
are preserved on ledges above the water, likely elite burials or
sacrificial offerings. These remains, dated to the Classic period,
reflect the Maya’s use of caves for mortuary rituals.
Ceramics:
Maya ceramics, including jars, bowls, and whistling vessels, are
scattered on ledges, used for offerings or ritual storage. These
artifacts, primarily Late Classic, align with styles from Cayo
District sites.
Hearths and Modified Formations: Hearths, used
for ritual fires, and modified stalactites (e.g., carved or painted)
indicate active ceremonial use. These features suggest the cave was
a staged ritual space, with ledges serving as altars.
Other
Finds: Small jade and shell artifacts, likely offerings, have been
noted, though looting has reduced their number. The cave’s pristine
state in early explorations preserved organic remains, such as bone
and charcoal, offering rare insights into Maya ritual practices.
Archaeological Research: Initial surveys in the 1990s by the Western
Belize Regional Cave Project, led by Jaime Awe, documented the
cave’s artifacts and skeletal remains. Ongoing studies, supported by
the Belize Institute of Archaeology, focus on non-invasive mapping
to preserve the site’s fragile interior. The cave’s inaccessibility
by foot (canoe-only) has limited looting compared to open sites like
Nohmul, but early artifact removal remains a concern.
The cave’s
ritual use underscores its sacred role in Maya cosmology,
complementing the ceremonial functions of surface sites like Nim Li
Punit or Lubaantun.
Barton Creek Cave holds profound cultural value for both Maya
heritage and modern Belizean identity:
Maya Cosmology: As a
subterranean space, the cave was a portal to Xibalba, where the Maya
conducted rituals to communicate with deities, ancestors, or
supernatural forces. The presence of child skeletons suggests
possible sacrificial practices, common in Maya cave contexts, while
elite burials reflect social hierarchy. The cave’s artifacts and
hearths align with practices at other Belizean caves, like Actun
Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), reinforcing its role in Maya spiritual
life.
Local Communities: The Cayo District’s Mestizo, Yucatec
Maya, and Mopan Maya communities view Barton Creek Cave as part of
their ancestral heritage. Local guides, often from nearby villages,
share Maya history during tours, fostering cultural pride. Community
involvement in tourism, supported by operators like Pacz Tours,
ensures economic benefits reach residents.
Global Appeal: The
cave’s blend of archaeology and adventure attracts international
visitors, with outlets like Lonely Planet and TravelBelize.org
promoting it as a must-see. Its serene canoe tours and preserved
artifacts distinguish it from more tourist-heavy sites like
Xunantunich, offering an intimate glimpse into Maya ritual life.
Barton Creek Cave bridges ancient Maya spirituality with modern
cultural tourism, enhancing Belize’s reputation as a hub for
archaeological exploration.
Barton Creek Cave is a premier eco-tourism destination, balancing
archaeological preservation with visitor access:
Canoe Tours:
The primary way to explore the cave is by guided canoe tours,
typically lasting 3–4 hours. Visitors paddle 1.5 km through the
cave’s main passage, using headlamps to view artifacts, skeletons,
and geological formations. Tours, offered by operators like Belize
Inland Expeditions and Cahal Pech Village Resort, require minimal
physical effort, making them accessible to most ages. Guides
highlight Maya history and ensure artifacts remain undisturbed.
Tourism Infrastructure: A small visitor center near the cave
entrance provides basic amenities and educational displays. The
scenic drive through Mountain Pine Ridge, with views of pine forests
and wildlife, enhances the experience. Tours often combine Barton
Creek with visits to Xunantunich or zip-lining, creating full-day
itineraries.
Conservation Measures: The Belize Institute of
Archaeology regulates access, limiting tours to small groups (6–8
people) to minimize environmental impact. Canoes prevent foot
traffic on fragile ledges, and touching artifacts is prohibited.
These measures contrast with the looting at sites like Pusilhá or
Nohmul, ensuring better preservation.
Recent Developments: Posts
on X from 2017 and web articles through 2025 highlight growing
tourist interest, with operators like MyBelize.net promoting the
cave’s “mysteries.” Investments in road improvements and community
training have enhanced access and guide quality, positioning Barton
Creek as a model for sustainable tourism.
The cave’s tourism
success reflects its appeal as both an adventure and a cultural
experience, though careful management is key to its longevity.
Barton Creek Cave faces several challenges that impact its
preservation and study:
Environmental Fragility: The cave’s
humid interior and active waterway make artifacts and formations
vulnerable to erosion and microbial growth. Tourism-related
disturbances, such as canoe wakes or light exposure, could degrade
organic remains.
Limited Research: While less looted than
Ka’Kabish or Pusilhá, the cave’s inaccessibility restricts
large-scale excavations. Non-invasive methods, like 3D mapping, are
needed but underfunded, limiting new discoveries compared to surface
sites like Nim Li Punit.
Tourism Pressure: Growing visitor
numbers, noted in 2024–2025 sources, strain the cave’s capacity.
Overcrowding or untrained guides could harm artifacts, despite
regulations. The balance between tourism revenue and preservation
remains delicate.
Cultural Sensitivity: Displaying human remains,
particularly child skeletons, raises ethical questions about
respecting Maya descendants. Unlike Lubaantun’s Crystal Skull
controversy, Barton Creek’s artifacts are authentic, but their
presentation requires sensitivity to avoid sensationalism.
External Threats: Agricultural runoff from nearby farms, noted in
Cayo’s expanding Mennonite communities, could pollute the cave’s
waterway, affecting its ecosystem and artifacts. Climate change may
also increase flooding, complicating access.
These challenges
underscore the need for sustainable tourism, robust conservation,
and community-led stewardship to protect Barton Creek Cave.